Okay – it’s official. I can’t hide behind the sash any longer… I admit I am a national finalist in Mrs Australia. So I’ve decided to post my Mrs Aus blog and share my journey with you!

I’ve known all year, but to be honest, it’s taken me this long to get my head around it. And I still giggle like a pre-schooler when I think about parading up a catwalk alongside 24 stunning and inspiring women. I mean let’s face it – I’m a mother of three and I turned 40 this year! I didn’t expect to be shimmying down a stage in my swimmers…

When I first heard about the contest I didn’t know it was a pageant. I read about a woman who had entered to raise awareness for Women In Need. I was intrigued by an event which was helping women by celebrating women.

I dropped off an application and just a few days later a sash appeared in the mail. I looked at it in utter disbelief and tucked it into the kitchen drawer! I did some Googling and discovered several other finalists across the country. Among them was a mum-of-six, a nurse, a student and horror of horrors – several models and actresses.

I pushed the contest to the back of my mind, after all I was busy with school drop-offs, packing lunch boxes, running yoga classes and taking my toddler to the park.

But then emails from the Mrs Aus HQ would arrive in my inbox reminding me. And I’d feel a cold sweat as I wondered whether my garage sale bargain would cut it at the cocktail party…

Several times I thought about quitting, but I was turning forty in June and I’d already decided this was my year for living outside the square. Life is short and I want it to be full of surprises and interesting experiences. So, I decided to go for it. Now there are just 11 days left until I fly to Melbourne for the judging… It’s been an intriguing ride so far, but I can’t help thinking it’s going to get a lot more interesting… stay tuned! Katie x